Our awesome day out at Knowsley Safari Park

Mum and Families Squad member, Ruth, shares her family day out at Knowsley Safari Park.

Despite the fact I only live 20 miles away, the last time I went to Knowsley Safari Park it was 1989 and I was a teenager. So, one sunny Autumn Saturday, I decided to have a day out and give it a whirl – taking my partner and 4-year olds twins with me. (well it would have been a bit mean to go alone!)

The web site is full of information on how to plan and make the most of your day, so with a general plan in our minds, I packed a picnic and we headed off.

It is easily accessible from the M57, the park is well signposted, and arrival is efficient, with some lovely animal sculptures on the approach to build the excitement.

We had prebooked our tickets on line, which saved us 10% on the family ticket price of £59, (with it being a Saturday and still peak season, we weren’t able to take advantage of any offers, but I believe at the moment it is just £15 per car) On arrival were given a map of the park, a timetable for what was on and a great animal sticker pack for the children, which they enjoyed doing as we went around.

We headed straight for the safari drive first, all very excited about what we were going to see – and we weren’t disappointed. Within minutes of starting the 5-mile route, we were driving up close past Rhinos, Antelopes, Zebras, Camels and many more, all casually wandering around in beautiful open spaces. You can stop your car and pull up to watch closely anytime you want to, and even though it was apparently busy, it certainly never felt like we were in queueing traffic. The children were quite enthralled, and I have to say, even as the driver, it was very pleasant driving slowly round enjoying spotting the wildlife.

Then we came to the baboons – obviously everyone who comes to a safari park knows about the baboons right? Well, I did, but I’d forgotten! As soon as you get into the enclosure they all descend on the car. I’d decided to be relaxed about the potential car damage and the doors were most definitely locked, so David and I thought it was quite funny as these monkeys jumped all over the car, pulling faces, showing us their “cheeky bits” and desperately tried to open the doors, pull off the windscreen wipers and much more. However, Oscar and Martha did not see the funny side at all. They were terrified, screaming for the monkeys to get off and cowering under their blankets until we were out of the other side, declaring it the worst 10 minutes of their lives!!… Once the keepers had checked the car for clinging baboons and put my windscreen wipers back in place, and a few little snacks had been doled out, peace and tranquillity returned, but if you have children of a nervous disposition (or are worried about your car) choose the monkey safe route – where you can park up and watch them tease everyone else instead!

We then happily continued along the drive, enjoying amongst others, the beautiful pride of lions, before parking up and beginning the rest of the day.

Knowsley is so much more than a safari drive. We enjoyed a great birds of prey demonstration, walked through a bat cave, saw the giraffes and elephants on the foot safari and watched a fabulous indoor sealion show, followed by being able to view the sealions really close up in their pool, thanks to “underwater windows”. The size, strength and beauty of them was incredible and my children were quite mesmerised by them.

When we wanted a break from the animals, there were plenty of picnic places (or cafes if you didn’t bring your own food), some great play areas and also fairground rides. The rides were an extra charge – but everything else was included in the price.

To my surprise we had easily spent a good 5 hours there and although we only did it once, we could have done the safari drive as often as we wanted.

At full price, its not a cheap day out, but if was good value considering all the things we saw, and is certainly an interesting, fun and easy family day out – (and hopefully Oscar and Martha have recovered from the baboons by now!!)
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